Squawking Magpie The Gravels Chardonnay 2015 $33.95 For starters I really love the slick new label design at play here, mysterious, brooding and very ‘magpie’. Here’s an incredibly ‘pure’ chardonnay that’s packed with tropical tang, so expect pineapple, nectarine and tangelo notes alongside honey-buttered cinnamon toast and creamy layers in the mid-palate. The acidity is … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Canvas Column Sat 2 July 2016
Julia Child once said “I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food”. She also said “Every woman should own a blowtorch”. I miss Julia. Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Gewürztraminer 2015 $25 This organically produced wine is golden and glossy in the glass and absolutely heaves with heady spices, musky pot … Read More
Wine & Food Matching Lorkin Style…
Wine and food matching. The fact that it’s even a thing is the relatively recent result of American neo-prohibitionists in1970’s demanding that if alcoholic beverages were to be served anywhere, then suitable food needed to be provided. So canny restaurateurs clicked rather quickly that if you’re going to do it, do it well and put … Read More
Eradus Marlborough Pinot Noir
Eradus Marlborough Pinot Noir $18 Bold, fruity aromas of black guava, black tea and layers of black forrest all burst from the glass in this tasty new favourite of mine. Lush, gently juicy, red fruits like raspberry, cherry and pomegranate tumble forth into a soft, yet zesty young pinot which boasts a gamey, savoury finish. … Read More
Neudorf Rosie’s Block Nelson Chardonnay
Neudorf Rosie’s Block Nelson Chardonnay 2015 $33 ★★★★ Five different clones were hand harvested, fermented with wild yeasts and blended to create this buttered-crumpet-smelling chardonnay, which quickly unveils a backbone of grilled nectarine and grapefruit pith alongside deliciously textural, creamy almond characters in the mid palate. It’s a juicy, cheek-puckering style that pretty much makes … Read More
Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014 $48 ★★★★ This Esk Valley producer is on its way to completing a radical turnaround of fortunes, from being run into virtual non-existence, it’s been rescued and revitalised by sparkie-turned-winemaker Trevor Shepherd, who clearly has a knack for creating quality syrah. Intensely spicy and showing plum, dark berries, … Read More
Allan Scott Marlborough Riesling 2014
Allan Scott Marlborough Riesling 2014 $18 ★★★½ Aromas of green apple, carrot cake spices and musky, honeysuckle and apricot kernel characters all merge together on the palate and crash into a wave of sweetness. There’s a soft, grainy texture to the finish of this tangy example that’ll definitely appeal to those who prefer a more … Read More
Rod McDonald Wines One Off Gisborne Albariño
Rod McDonald Wines One Off Gisborne Albariño 2015 $23 ★★★★ There’s a whiff of gunflint and smashed river rocks, watercress, lemongrass and salty seabreeze happening on the nose, followed by a tsunami of steely acidity, bony minerality and crunchy green apple characters. There’s a smoky tone to the finish which is long and zesty and … Read More
Coopers Creek Bell Ringer Gisborne Albarino
Coopers Creek Bell Ringer Gisborne Albarino 2015 $22 ★★★★½ Winemaker Simon Nunns has crafted a distinctly limey, lipsmackingly dry and intensely mineral-driven albariño from Gisborne’s Bell vineyard. It’s got real presence and poise and truckloads of tangy stonefruit notes, yet it’s beautifully balanced and delicate at the same time. Sensational with pan seared groper steaks … Read More
Left Field Gisborne Albarino
Left Field Gisborne Albariño 2015 $17.99 ★★★★ Attractive aromas of white nectarine, crushed shells, hints of brine and roadside daisies. The acidity is piercing and devastatingly dry (in a good way). It’s a wine that’ll kickstart even the most jaded of tastebuds and have them crying out for more tastes and flavours. Ultra-cleansing stonefruit, hints … Read More